Lake Singers

From 2010 this all-women choir has been known as Lake Singers, under the musical direction of Annette Phillis. From 1988 the choir was known as Lake Macquarie City Ladies Choir which had evolved from the mixed voice Lake Macquarie City Choir established in 1981 under the direction of Alan Thrift. Alan retired from the choir at the end of 2009.

Lake Singers holds two concerts bi-annually featuring young talent in the area as guest artists. The choir also performs in the Lake Macquarie Music Society’s Choral Festivals in July. Members of the Lake Singers are also members of the Music Society.

MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Annette Phillis is a multi-talented musician who was initially a member of Lake Macquarie Ladies Choir at the same time as directing Nova Chorale. As well as directing Lake Singers since 2010, Annette provides piano accompaniment for church activities and for the singing group Lemon Drops. She also sings in the trio The Tri-Anjels, and the singing group Dolls and Guys.

If you are interested in joining our choir please contact Annette on 49430531.

ACCOMPANIST

Shaista Poonawalla graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Music with Distinction. She has had considerable experience in performing. With six years of teaching experience in both AMEB and Trinity College syllabi, and currently a classical piano teacher qualified to teach both children and adults from beginners to advanced grades, Shaista has been a very welcome addition to Lake Singers since 2013.

Lake Singers performed at their second concert of 2014 on 1 June at St Luke’s Uniting church, Belmont North to a satisfactorily large and appreciative audience of seventy-one people. Our guest artists for both our mid-year concerts for 2014 were the group, Pumpkin Juice – Celtic Fiddling Kids. (Photos are courtesy of the husband of member Erika Markanen-Haire, Graham Haire)

PRACTICE NIGHTS

Practices are held weekly on Wednesday nights at the Uniting Church Hall, First Street, Booragul. Some choir members have been with the choir since its inception. Along with the hard work of learning and perfecting our pieces, there is a lot of FUN. There are significant health benefits to singing, both physically and emotionally. It is very soul-satisfying to make lovely music together.

Practices begin with a short “warm-up” for voice and body, and throughout the evening, humour and laughter keep the bodies and brains alert. There is usually a short break from singing for any personal details or a joke to be shared and for any announcements. Several times a year practices finish early for a supper prepared by members. Being able to read music is helpful, but not a requirement for joining the group as music theory and interpretation, voice production and choral harmony are introduced at appropriate times. However, motivation, commitment and being able to sing in tune, and hold a part are essential attributes.

The following photos were taken by Daniel Mitchell on Wednesday night 7 August 2013 at the Uniting Church Hall, First Street, Booragul.